Oslob: Butanding and Sumilon Island

This is my favorite province in the Philippines.  This is where my first white sand beach from.  If you guess it right, it’s where Bantayan Island is.  But this time, I went on the farther South of Cebu.

Famous for the whale shark watching, Oslob had been a fast growing tourist destination for years now.  A three to four-hour drive from Cebu City from the South Terminal.  Or a 30-minute boat ride from Dumaguete City to Liloan, then a tricycle ride from Liloan to Oslob.  There are many resorts in the beach side of Tan-awan.

The beach resort where we stayed was Aaron Beach Resort.  It had a fascinating view of sunrise, Sumilon Island and a beach front.  The resort also offered the whale shark watching tour.

Tourists from all over the country and all over the world flocked thru this site to witness every morning the whale sharks.  Before we get to see the whale sharks, there were briefing areas where the tour guides explained necessary precautions and guidelines for tourist.  The local government also protects the butandings welfare.  Tour guides and boatman have their ID’s so we felt secured about the tour.

After which, we rode a boat and lined up with other boats at the viewing area.   And alas, we were seeing the gentle giants near us.  

If you want to swim with the butanding, don’t forget not to put lotion and not to touch them.

After which, we went to Sumilon Island.  Sumilon Island is privately owned by Bluewaters Sumilon Island.  They offered an overnight stay and a day tour with lunch.  The resort owner allowed non-guest to experience the sand bar which is the highlight of the island. We opted to just stay at the sand bar for a minimal fee. 

We enjoyed the sand, sea and sun.  During high tide, the sand bar is covered with water, so it’s best to see Sumilon Island during low tide.

There were no shades and no facilities in the sand bar.  Tourist bought with them food and water because there were no shops. As a reminder we should always take our trash with us.